Effects of alpha lipoic acid as a supplement in obese children and adolescents. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El Amrousy, Doaa; El-Afify, Dalia
• Is Part Of: Cytokine. Volume 130(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Obesity -- Children -- Oxidative stress -- Adipokines -- Inflammatory process -- Alpha lipoic acid; Cytokines -- Periodicals; 571.844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-4666

Abstract

Highlights: Obesity is strongly associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory process. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant used to reduce weight in adults. We investigated the possible beneficial role of ALA for 3 months in obese children. ALA treatment significantly reduces weight, BMI, MDA, TNF-α, and leptin levels. ALA may be a promising adjuvant in weight reduction in obese children. Abstract: Objectives: Obesity is significantly associated with inflammatory process and oxidative stress. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant that has been reported for reducing weight in animals and obese adults in several studies but no data are available in pediatrics. We investigated the possible beneficial role of ALA in obese children. Patients and methods: Eighty obese children and adolescents were randomized into two groups; the treatment group (n = 40) who received 300 mg of ALA twice daily for 3 months and the control group (n = 40) who received placebo for 3 months. Measurements of weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), malondialdhyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leptin and adiponectin were carried out before and 3 months after the treatment. Results: ALA treatment group had a significant reduction of the weight, BMI, MDA, TNF-α, and leptin levels but a significant increase of adiponectin level (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. However, it had no effect on FBG or lipid profile (P > 0.05). Conclusion: ALA may be a promising supplement in the weight reduction in obese children and adolescents.